BURIRAM, Feb 5 — A team of veterinarians and wildlife workers are tracking a wounded wild elephant in Buriram's Dong Yai Forest sanctuary after it was seen with an apparent gunshot wound, which has become infected. The elephant is feared to be in critical condition.
Veterinarian Pattarapol Manee-on from the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department is leading a team of vets and wildlife workers from the Dong Yai Forest Sanctuary on a rescue mission to help the 10-20 year old male elephant. The apparent gunshot wound is in its left hind leg near its stomach.
The operation failed to get underway yesterday due to the unfavourable terrain, but the elephant was visibly quite upset, making it difficult to help him and too risky to approach. The team fired two tranquilizer darts to calm the animal yesterday, but to no avail. The trackers decided to end the mission yesterday evening.
Veterinarian Pattarapol said primary diagnosis showed that the wound is severely infected and the elephant's condition is quite worrisome. Treatment entails approaching the animal to perform surgery and administering antibiotics.
The team has not yet identified the type of gun used as they have not yet be able to get close enough to inspeact the animal. (MCOT online news)
